Modelling made easy - The Marine Virtual Laboratory

In all modelling studies of realistic scenarios, a researcher has to go through a number of steps to set up a model in order to produce a model simulation of value. The steps are generally the same, independent of the... [ view full abstract ]

In all modelling studies of realistic scenarios, a researcher has to go through a number of steps to set up a model in order to produce a model simulation of value. The steps are generally the same, independent of the modelling system chosen. These steps include determining the time and space scales and processes of the required simulation; obtaining data for the initial set up and for input during the simulation time; obtaining observation data for validation or data assimilation; implementing scripts to run the simulation(s); and running utilities or custom-built software to extract results. These steps are time consuming and resource hungry, and have to be done every time irrespective of the simulation – the more complex the processes, the more effort is required to set up the simulation.

The Australian Marine Virtual Laboratory (MARVL) is a new development in modelling frameworks for researchers in Australia. MARVL uses a java-based control system that allows a non-specialist modeller to configure and run a model, to automate many of the modelling preparation steps needed to bring the researcher faster to the stage of simulation and analysis. The tool is seen as enhancing the efficiency of researchers and marine managers, and is being considered as an educational aid in teaching.

Currently MARVL is configured for 3 different hydrodynamic models (MOM4, ROMS, SHOC) and 2 wave models (WaveWatch3, SWAN) and offers initial and boundary conditions from 2 or 3 ocean and atmospheric models. Current execution options are a) download the assembled configuration and packaged data to run on any other system of the user’s choice and b) run the assembled configuration in a cloud computing environment.

MARVL has been applied in a number of case studies around Australia ranging in scale from locally confined estuaries to the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand.

The underlying infrastructure will be described and a step-by-step example of its use will be given.